Clinical and Biomarker Responses to BI 655064, an Antagonistic Anti-CD40 Antibody, in Patients With Active Lupus Nephritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase II Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize its dose-response relationship, BI 655064 (an anti-CD40 monoclonal antibody) was tested as an add-on to mycophenolate and glucocorticoids in patients with active lupus nephritis (LN). METHODS: A total of 121 patients were randomized (2:1:1:2) to receive placebo or BI 655064 120, 180, or 240 mg and received a weekly loading dose for 3 weeks followed by dosing every 2 weeks for the 120 and 180 mg groups, and 120 mg weekly for the 240 mg group. The primary endpoint was complete renal response (CRR) at week 52. Secondary endpoints included CRR at week 26. RESULTS: A dose-response relationship with CRR at week 52 was not shown (BI 655064 120 mg, 38.3%; 180 mg, 45.0%; 240 mg, 44.6%; placebo, 48.3%). At week 26, 28.6% (120 mg), 50.0% (180 mg), 35.0% (240 mg), and 37.5% (placebo) achieved CRR. The unexpected high placebo response prompted a post hoc analysis evaluating confirmed CRR (cCRR, at weeks 46 and 52). cCRR was achieved in 22.5% (120 mg), 44.3% (180 mg), 38.2% (240 mg), and 29.1% (placebo) of patients. Most patients reported ≥1 adverse event (BI 655064, 85.7-95.0%; placebo, 97.5%), most frequently infections and infestations (BI 655064 61.9-75.0%; placebo 60%). Compared with other groups, higher rates of serious (20% vs. 7.5-10%) and severe infections (10% vs. 4.8-5.0%) were reported with 240 mg BI 655064. CONCLUSION: The trial failed to demonstrate a dose-response relationship for the primary CRR endpoint. Post hoc analyses suggest a potential benefit of BI 655064 180 mg in patients with active LN.

Phase 1 dose escalation trial of volasertib in combination with decitabine in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) regulates mitotic checkpoints and cell division. PLK1 overexpression is reported in numerous cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and is associated with poor prognosis. Volasertib is a selective, potent cell-cycle kinase inhibitor that targets PLK to induce mitotic arrest and apoptosis. This phase 1 trial investigated the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, and anti-leukemic activity of volasertib in combination with decitabine in AML patients aged ≥ 65 years. Thirteen patients were treated with escalating volasertib doses (3 + 3 design; 300 mg, 350 mg, and 400 mg) plus standard-dose decitabine. Dose-limiting toxicity was reported in one patient in cycle 1; the MTD of volasertib in combination with decitabine was determined as 400 mg. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were febrile neutropenia, pneumonia, and decreased appetite. Objective response rate was 23%. The combination was well tolerated, and the adverse event profile was in line with previous findings.

Ophthalmologic Baseline Characteristics and 2-Year Ophthalmologic Safety Profile of Pramipexole IR Compared with Ropinirole IR in Patients with Early Parkinson's Disease.

Background. Parkinson's disease (PD) progressively affects dopaminergic neurotransmission and may affect retinal dopaminergic functions and structures. Objective. This 2-year randomized, open-label, parallel-group, flexible-dose study, NCT00144300, evaluated ophthalmologic safety profiles of immediate-release (IR) pramipexole and ropinirole in patients with early idiopathic PD with ≤6 months' prior dopamine agonist exposure and without preexisting major eye disorders. Methods. Patients received labeled IR regimens of pramipexole (n = 121) or ropinirole (n = 125) for 2 years. Comprehensive ophthalmologic assessments (COA) included corrected acuity, Roth 28-color test, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure, computerized visual field test, fundus photography, and electroretinography. Results. At baseline, we observed retinal pigmentary epithelium (RPE) hypopigmentation not previously reported in PD patients. The estimated relative risk of 2-year COA worsening with pramipexole versus ropinirole was 1.07 (95% CI: 0.71-1.60). Mean changes from baseline in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating System parts II+III total scores (pramipexole: 1 year, -4.1 ± 8.9, and 2 years, -0.7 ± 10.1, and ropinirole: 1 year, -3.7 ± 8.2, and 2 years, -1.7 ± 10.5) and Hoehn-Yahr stage distribution showed therapeutic effects on PD symptoms. Safety profiles were consistent with labeling. Conclusions. The risk of retinal deterioration did not differ in early idiopathic PD patients receiving pramipexole versus ropinirole. RPE hypopigmentation at baseline was not previously reported in this population. This trial is registered with NCT00144300.

Diurnal Glycemic Patterns during an 8-Week Open-Label Proof-of-Concept Trial of Empagliflozin in Type 1 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: We recently reported improved glycemic control with reduced insulin dose in subjects with type 1 diabetes treated with the sodium glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor empagliflozin. To further characterize the effects, we analyzed diurnal glycemic patterns by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). METHODS: In an 8-week single-arm open-label pilot study of empagliflozin, we compared ambulatory glucose profiles produced from CGM data during 2-week intervals in a placebo run-in baseline period, end-of-treatment, and post-treatment. Change in glycemic exposure was evaluated by area under the median curve according to time of day (AUCTOTAL 12:00am-11:55pm; AUCDAY 7:05am-10:55pm, AUCNIGHT 11:00pm-7:00am), as well as glycemic variability, glycemic stability and time-in-target (≥70 to ≤140mg/dL). RESULTS: The 40 patients (26 on insulin pump) were aged 24±5 years and BMI 24.5±3.2 kg/m2. Consistent with the observed HbA1c decrease (8.0±0.9% to 7.6±0.9%, p<0.0001), normalized AUCTOTAL CGM decreased from 153.7±25.4 to 149.0±30.2mg/dL∙h at end-of-treatment (p = 0.31), and significantly increased post-treatment (164.1±29.5mg/dL∙h, p = 0.02). The numerical decrease in normalized AUCNIGHT (152.0±36.6 to 141.9±34.4mg/dL∙h, p = 0.13) exceeded AUCDAY (154.5±24.5 to 152.6±30.4mg/dL∙h, p = 0.65). Trends toward lower glycemic variability (83.1±18.9 to 75.6±28.6mg/dL, p = 0.06) and little change in glycemic stability (10.8±3.6 to 10.3±4.5mg/dL/h, p = 0.51) were observed. When empagliflozin was discontinued, these worsened relative to baseline (89.3±19.3mg/dL, p = 0.04 and 11.8±3.7mg/dL/hr, p = 0.08). Time-in-target numerically increased (40.2±11.9 to 43.1±13.5%, p = 0.69) at end-of-treatment but reversed post-treatment. Findings were similar on stratification of pump and MDI subjects. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that empagliflozin was associated with patterns of improved nighttime glycemia more prominent than daytime. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01392560.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition and glycemic control in type 1 diabetes: results of an 8-week open-label proof-of-concept trial.

OBJECTIVE: Adjunctive-to-insulin therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition may improve glycemic control in type 1 diabetes (T1D). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We evaluated the glycemic efficacy and safety of empagliflozin 25 mg daily in 40 patients treated for 8 weeks in a single-arm open-label proof-of-concept trial (NCT01392560). RESULTS: Mean A1C decreased from 8.0 ± 0.9% (64 ± 10 mmol/mol) to 7.6 ± 0.9% (60 ± 10 mmol/mol) (P < 0.0001), fasting glucose from 9.0 ± 4.3 to 7.0 ± 3.2 mmol/L (P = 0.008), symptomatic hypoglycemia (<3.0 mmol/L) from 0.12 to 0.04 events per patient per day (P = 0.0004), and daily insulin dose from 54.7 ± 20.4 to 45.8 ± 18.8 units/day (P < 0.0001). Mean urinary excretion of glucose increased from 19 ± 19 to 134 ± 61 g/day (P < 0.0001). Weight decreased from 72.6 ± 12.7 to 70.0 ± 12.3 kg (P < 0.0001), and waist circumference decreased from 82.9 ± 8.7 to 79.1 ± 8.0 cm (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This proof-of-concept study strongly supports a randomized clinical trial of adjunctive-to-insulin empagliflozin in patients with T1D.

The effect of empagliflozin on arterial stiffness and heart rate variability in subjects with uncomplicated type 1 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus are at high risk for the development of hypertension, contributing to cardiovascular complications. Hyperglycaemia-mediated neurohormonal activation increases arterial stiffness, and is an important contributing factor for hypertension. Since the sodium glucose cotransport-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor empagliflozin lowers blood pressure and HbA1c in type 1 diabetes mellitus, we hypothesized that this agent would also reduce arterial stiffness and markers of sympathetic nervous system activity. METHODS: Blood pressure, arterial stiffness, heart rate variability (HRV) and circulating adrenergic mediators were measured during clamped euglycaemia (blood glucose 4-6 mmol/L) and hyperglycaemia (blood glucose 9-11 mmol/L) in 40 normotensive type 1 diabetes mellitus patients. Studies were repeated after 8 weeks of empagliflozin (25 mg once daily). RESULTS: In response to empagliflozin during clamped euglycaemia, systolic blood pressure (111 ± 9 to 109 ± 9 mmHg, p = 0.02) and augmentation indices at the radial (-52% ± 16 to -57% ± 17, p = 0.0001), carotid (+1.3 ± 1 7.0 to -5.7 ± 17.0%, p < 0.0001) and aortic positions (+0.1 ± 13.4 to -6.2 ± 14.3%, p < 0.0001) declined. Similar effects on arterial stiffness were observed during clamped hyperglycaemia without changing blood pressure under this condition. Carotid-radial pulse wave velocity decreased significantly under both glycemic conditions (p ≤ 0.0001), while declines in carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity were only significant during clamped hyperglycaemia (5.7 ± 1.1 to 5.2 ± 0.9 m/s, p = 0.0017). HRV, plasma noradrenalin and adrenaline remained unchanged under both clamped euglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Empagliflozin is associated with a decline in arterial stiffness in young type 1 diabetes mellitus subjects. The underlying mechanisms may relate to pleiotropic actions of SGLT2 inhibition, including glucose lowering, antihypertensive and weight reduction effects. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01392560.

Renal hemodynamic effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this mechanistic open-label, stratified clinical trial was to determine the effect of 8 weeks' sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibition with empagliflozin 25 mg QD on renal hyperfiltration in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D). METHODS AND RESULTS: Inulin (glomerular filtration rate; GFR) and paraaminohippurate (effective renal plasma flow) clearances were measured in individuals stratified based on having hyperfiltration (T1D-H, GFR ≥ 135 mL/min/1.73m(2), n=27) or normal GFR (T1D-N, GFR 90-134 mL/min/1.73m(2), n=13) at baseline. Renal function and circulating levels of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system mediators and NO were measured under clamped euglycemic (4-6 mmol/L) and hyperglycemic (9-11 mmol/L) conditions at baseline and end of treatment. During clamped euglycemia, hyperfiltration was attenuated by -33 mL/min/1.73m(2) with empagliflozin in T1D-H, (GFR 172±23-139±25 mL/min/1.73 m(2), P<0.01). This effect was accompanied by declines in plasma NO and effective renal plasma flow and an increase in renal vascular resistance (all P<0.01). Similar significant effects on GFR and renal function parameters were observed during clamped hyperglycemia. In T1D-N, GFR, other renal function parameters, and plasma NO were not altered by empagliflozin. Empagliflozin reduced hemoglobin A1c significantly in both groups, despite lower insulin doses in each group (P≤0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, short-term treatment with the sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin attenuated renal hyperfiltration in subjects with T1D, likely by affecting tubular-glomerular feedback mechanisms. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01392560.

One-Year Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Ipratropium Bromide HFA and CFC Inhalation Aerosols in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Ipratropium bromide (IB) is an established and effective first-line maintenance treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A new IB metered-dose inhaler (MDI) using hydrofluoroalkane 134a propellant (IB HFA) has been developed as an alternative to the MDI containing chlorofluorocarbon (IB CFC). OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term safety and efficacy of IB HFA and IB CFC in patients with COPD. STUDY DESIGN: This was a randomised, open-label, parallel-group, 1-year, multi-centre trial. Primary endpoints included adverse events (AEs) and vital signs. Secondary endpoints included therapeutic response (>15% increase in forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV(1)] peak change from baseline), FEV(1) area under the response-time curve (AUC). PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Patients (n = 456) with moderate-to-severe COPD, who received either IB HFA (n = 305) or IB CFC (n = 151 ), both 42µg four times daily. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the incidences of individual AEs between groups over the short and long term; respiratory disorders were the most common. The incidence of anticholinergic AEs possibly related to treatment was low (1.3% IB HFA, 0.7% IB CFC). Serious AEs occurred in 19.0% and 20.5%, and discontinuations due to AEs in 7.2% and 7.3%, of patients receiving IB HFA and IB CFC, respectively. Therapeutic bronchodilatory responses were achieved in 76-81% and 72-84% of patients, and AUC ranged from 0.117-0.148L and 0.117-0.174L, in patients receiving IB HFA and IB CFC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IB HFA had similar efficacy and tolerability to IB CFC over 1 year, supporting a seamless transition from the CFC MDI to the HFA MDI in both short- and long-term treatment.